This Rein ‘Aurolese’ phone was claimed to “give a natural reproduction of the human voice, free from all vibrations and irritating sounds .. and enable the most stubborn cases of deafness to obtain relief”.

The auricle made of faux tortoiseshell celluloid has its original ivory ear piece. It was held in place with the use of a steel headband with a small brass headrest at the other end marked ‘F.C. Rein & Sons Inventors and Patentees 30 Charing X Rd London’. The articulated joints of the thick faux tortoise shell celluloid and the later address date this to the early 20th century.

• From the Phisick collection